Preparation
01 · Define the purpose
- Identify and highlight local needs or dreams from individuals or institutions.
- Encourage active participation of the community around a shared cause.
- Promote concrete actions based on solidarity, cooperation, and collective empowerment.
02 · Prepare the materials
- Cards, papers, or forms for people to write down their wishes.
- A collection box or designated space to receive the wishes.
- Posters or panels to display the proposals and support voting.
- Sheets, markers, or digital devices for voting.
03 · Set up the space
- Create a welcoming area to collect wishes and share stories.
- Design a space to showcase finalist wishes and hold the vote.
- Have planning materials available to organize the chosen wish’s implementation.
04 · To run the activity virtually
- Use collaborative platforms to share wishes, vote online, and coordinate the planning of the selected wish.
Step-by-step instructions
1
Introduce the activity
- Explain that the goal is to identify a wish or need the community can make come true together.
- Encourage people to dream big, but also think in concrete actions that can make a positive impact.
2
Collect the wishes
- Each person proposes a wish related to a real need in their environment.
- Wishes can be personal, institutional, or community-based.
- Wishes can be collected on paper or digitally.
3
Select and vote
- The wishes are grouped and summarized.
- The most viable and meaningful ones are selected.
- The community votes on the wish they commit to fulfilling together.
4
Organize collectively
- Create an action plan to bring the selected wish to life.
- Assign tasks, gather resources, and define key steps.
5
Find allies and resources
- Reach out to companies, local businesses, NGOs, or individuals to collaborate with materials, tools, or technical support.
- Communicate the values and benefits of collective action to attract allies.
6
Make the wish come true
- Carry out the activity or project with active participation from the entire community.
- Document the process and celebrate the collective achievement.
Materials
Cards, papers, or forms to propose wishes
Ballot box or visible space to collect proposals
Whiteboards, panels, or large sheets to display the wishes
Voting materials (small papers, post-its, markers, or digital tools)
Planning sheets, flipcharts, or spreadsheets to organize actions
Various materials depending on the selected wish
Practical recommendations
Select wishes that are meaningful and feasible for the group.
Clearly communicate the commitment involved in fulfilling the chosen wish.
Follow up on tasks and responsible individuals.
Seek local allies in advance.
Create outreach materials to attract more collaboration.
Document the entire process with photos, videos, and testimonials.
Publicly celebrate the achievement of making the wish come true.
Inspiration
Ideas for wishes the community can fulfill:
- Paint a classroom or schoolyard
- Repair the roof of a family in need
- Start a community garden
- Build an access ramp in a public space
- Donate backpacks and school supplies to students
- Organize a book fair with donated books
- Restore playground equipment in a park
- Create a community mural with local artists
- Host a health day with volunteer professionals
- Set up a reading corner in a hospital
- Light up a dark street or alley in the neighborhood
- Offer free classes on useful skills for the community
- Renovate the kitchen of a community dining hall
- Organize a free cultural show or event
- Donate bikes to children without resources
- Run a donation drive to provide new bedding for a shelter
- Repair musical instruments in a school
- Digitize documents for a neighborhood library
- Create a community radio station
- Organize a trip for elderly people in the neighborhood
Where to look for help or support:
- Local hardware stores, paint shops, and construction suppliers
- Schools and community centers
- NGOs and neighborhood organizations
- Local businesses interested in corporate social responsibility
- Neighbors with trades or specific skills
- Crowdfunding platforms
- Municipal volunteer or civic engagement programs
